Regulating valves for jet pumps



p 4, 1956 L. H. TURNER 2,761,389

RBGULATING VALVES FOR JET PUMPS Filed May 9, 1952 V INVENTOR. LYMAN H TUENEB United States Patent REGULATING VALVES FOR JET PUMPS Lyman H. Turner, Rochester, N. Y., assignor to General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Application May 9, 1952, Serial No. 286,899

Claims. (Cl. 103-25) This invention relates to water supply systems and particularly those of the tankless type in which fresh water is supplied under pressure upon opening of a service tap.

In centrifugal jet pumps, a motor driven impeller provides a stream of water under pressure that is delivered to a jet opening into a venturi whose intake is connected to the water supply source such as a well or pond. The suction efiect created thereby lifts the water to the pump from whence it is discharged to the water supply line leading to the faucets. In the connection between the pump and the discharge line there are flow and pressure responsive means that control the operation of an electric motor driving the impeller of the pump. Upon flow being permitted from the discharge line, a pressure switch starts the motor that drives the pump. Upon stop of flow and when the water delivered in the discharge line is raised to a predetermined pressure, the pressure switch opens the circuit to the motor and stops the pump. Thus fresh water is supplied whenever the faucet is open. Due to the terminal elements of the system such as a foot valve in the well and a faucet in the discharge line, the system is completely closed and the small volume of water in the system between the terminal elements is maintained at a pressure well above the critical operation of the jet. Accordingly, my object is to provide an improved regulator valve for maintaining a predetermined pressure potential at the pressure inlet of a jet pump.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view showing a water pump system incorporating an improved regulator valve;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view in longitudinal section thru the regulator valve, with the valve elements shown in noflow relation;

Fig. 3 is a fragmental view in section with parts moved to a different position.

Referring particularly to the drawings and first with respect to Fig. 1, the reference numeral indicates a pump housing enclosing an impeller 90 driven by an electric motor 12 when the power leads 14 are energized. The impeller 90 forces Water thru a jet 92 and venturi 91 enclosed within the housing-16, the suction or low pressure efiect drawing water from the well 93 by pipe 18 in a manner well known by those experienced inthe art. From the pump housing 10 an outlet 20 communicates with a stand-pipe 22 and branches at24 to connect with a regulating valve 26, and thence by pipe 28 to the service line fitted with one or more taps, or faucets, as convenience or necessity demands. The standpipe is filled with air, or other compressible medium, at the beginning of the pumping operation. A tubular connection 30 appropriately connects the regulating valve 26 with the pressure switch on the motor 12 to control the operation of the pumping system. v 7

Referring to Fig. 2, the regulating valve 26 comprises a housing 32 providing an inlet chamber 34 and an outlet chamber 36 connected respectively with the branch 24 from the pump, and the pipe 28 opening to the service line. The chambers 34, 36 are separated by a partition 38 apertured to receive a valve seat 40, and the chamber 36 has an opening 42 for the connection 30 leading to the pressure switch on the motor 12. The housing 32 terminates in a flange 44 substantially parallel with the valve seat 40 and mating up With a flange 46 of a cap 48 to secure therebetween the rim of a diaphragm 50. The flexible diaphragm closes the chamber 36, and supports a valve assembly 52 for control of flow thru the valve seat 40.

The valve assembly 52 has a main valve body 54 carried by a stem 56, and a rubber seal ring 58 engageable with the valve seat 40. A bleed passage 60 through the main valve body 54 connects chambers 34 and 36 when the main valve is seated. Slidable upon the stem 56 and engaging a shoulder57 there is a spool valve 62 that is also cooperable with the valve seat 40, the spool valve 62 having the proximate edge chamfcred ofi as indicated at 64. On the stem 56 there is a spring 66 that is confined between the spool valve 62 and one of a pair of clamp Washers 68 disposed on either side of the diaphragm 50. Securing the clamp washers and diaphragm to the stem 56 there is a bolt 70 that threads into the end of stem 56, the bolt having a guide pin 72 slidably engaged in a sleeve 74 of an adjusting screw 76 threaded into the crown of cap 48. On the screw 76 and enclosed within the cap 48 there is a collar or flange 78 that seats a main spring 80 engaging also one of the diaphragm clamp washers 68 and stressed toward opening valve 54.

In this regulating valve there is the main valve 54 with its rubber seal 58, that is controlled by the diaphragm 50' and heavy loading spring 80, the valve being responsive.

spool valve 62 as is shown in Fig. 3. The mean diameter of the bore 39 is substantially the same as the diameter of the seal ring 58 of the main valve 54 as is shown in Fig. 2.

To start a pumping cycle, the pressure in the discharge line 28 or chamber 36 must be reduced to the cut-in point (for example 20 p. s. i.) of the pressure switch, thru connection 30, so that pump-driving motor 12 can be started. Then the decreased pressure in the chamber 36 beneath the diaphragm 50 allows the spring 80 to force the main valve 54 away from'its seat 40. This allows the spool valve 62 under the urge of the spring 66 to descend and close the valve port 41 thru the seat 40 substantially as shown inFig. 3.

Before any appreciable amount of water can be delivered, the pump must build up pressure in the chamber 34 to force the spool valve 62 out of the port 41. This portion of the valve, that is the spool valve, is operable to maintain pressure of 16 to 18 p. s. i. in the jet element of the pump. Once the spool valve 62 opens, from: its. position in Fig. 3, under the pres'sureof 16 to 18 p. s. i. it remains open so long as that pressure prevails and so long as water is flowing in the discharge line 28. However, any restriction of water delivery from the discharge line will cause the pressure to rise in chamber 36. That pressure will react againstthe diaphragm 50, and if high enough will close the main valve 54 against its seat 40," usually at about 38 p. s. i. When the main valve 54 closes, the bleed port 60 is able to pass water at the rateof about 5 gallons an hour and equalize the pressurein Patented Sept. 4, 1956.

both'chamhers 34 and 36. When the discharge line 28 is completely closed, pressure (e. g. 46p. s. i.) will build up in the chamber 36 and the passage 30 to operate the pressure switch for stopping-the motor 12. If a faucet is opened a littleso that there is a dribble, the pump will cycle repeatedly, starting and stopping as soon as water in the system is withdrawn sufficiently to reduce the pressure to the cut-in point of the pressure switch, or build it up to the cutL-out point respectively.

In that operation the standpipe 22, whose interior is always connected through elements 2% and 2 to the pump discharge chamber 34', acts as a cushioning means for. the fluid medium in the pump and the terminal elements 18 and 28 of the system. Under static or noflow conditions, that is when the. pump is not operating, a foot valve as is usual closes the well-end of the pipe 18, and. a service faucet closes the: discharge line 28. The main valve 54 is closed but the bleed port 66) efiects and maintains the equalization of pressure in the chamhers 34 and 36.. The pressure in the chamber 36 extends along the discharge line 28 to thefaucet, and is always directed against the diaphragm 50. The pressure in chamber 34 is the same as the interior of the standpipe 22 and at the pump side. of the foot valve inpipe 18. As long. as there is no pressure change inv the system, and particularly within the chamber 36, the main valve 54 will be maintained closedas shown in Fig. 2. When there is any flow from the system, pressure in chamber 36 will be reduced but its rate of decrease will be slowed somewhat by the flow thru bleed 60 so long as the cushioning cifect provided by the stand-pipe 22 is able to maintain the pressure in chamber 36 above the cut-in point of the-pressureswitch.

Onv opening a faucet in the discharge line that provides flow greater than thecapacity of the bleed 60 there results a pressure drop in 36, that cannot be equalized by the stand-pipe 22', hence the: spring 80 loading the diaphragm 50 displaces: the main valve from the seat and closes the port 41 by thev spool valve. 62 as shown in Fig. 3. The: fall of pressure acting through 30 on. the pressure switch starts the motor, and any flow from the pump effecting a pressure in the chamber 34 greatertban 16 to I& p. s. i, displaces the spool valve 62 from the port 41 by reason of which flow is: obtained almost immediately that the: faucet. in the discharge line 28 is opened. As soon as the faucet is closed pressure begins to build up in chambers 34 and 36 and in the stand-pipe 22. As that pressure approaches the cut-out setting of the pressure switch the main valve 54 engages its seat 4% stopping all How through port 41 except through bleed passage 60. For a very short time thereafter the motor and pump continue to operate; which builds up pressure in the stand-pipe 22, and chamber 34 equal to the cut-out point of the pressure switch. The pressure switch stopping the motor and pump, the static condition of the system is resumed and the pressure in chambers 34 and 36 becomes equalized through the bleed port 60.

While the embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In a water supply system including, a source of water, a motor driven pump having an inlet and an outlet connected to a service line, and a jet pump having a suction inlet connected with said source, a pressure inlet connected with said motor" driven pump outlet, and an outlet connected with said motor driven pump inlet; a

regulator valve disposed between the motor driven pump.

outlet and the service line for maintaining a predetermined pressure potential at the pressure inlet of said jet pump, including in combination, a body having an inlet chamber connected to the outlet of said motor driven pump and a pressure chamber connected to said service line, a partition separating said. chambers and having a port. therein, and a valve assembly for said port including a diaphragm, a valve stem connected to said diaphragm and supporting a main valve arranged to close said port in response to pressure on said diaphragm under no flow conditions, a spool valve supported by the main valve and movable relative thereto and a spring engaging said spool valve for yieldably urging said spool valve to a port closing position under low pressure conditions in said inlet chamber,

2. In a water supply system including, a source of water, a motor driven pump having an inlet and an outlet connected to a service line, and a jet pump having a suction inlet connected with said source, a pressure inlet connected with said motor driven pump outlet, and an outlet connected with said motor driven pump inlet; a re ulator valve disposed: between the motor driven pump outlet and the service line for maintaining a predetermined pressure potential at the pressure inlet of said jet pump, including in combination, a body having an inlet chamber connected to the outlet of said motor driven pump and a pressure chamber connected to said service line, a partition separating said chambers and having a port therein, and 'a valvevassembly for the port including a diaphragm, av main valve having a stem connected to said diaphragm and arranged to close said port under no flow conditions of said service line, said main valve having a bleed passage therethrough interconnecting the intake and pressure chambers so as to equalize the pressures therein under no flow conditions, spring means acting upon said diaphragm for urging said main valve towards an open port position, a spool valve carried by the main valve and resilient means acting upon said spool valve for urging said spool valve toward a port closing position when the main valve is open, said spool valve being responsive to pressure in the intake chamber for permitting the flow oi water from the intake chamber to the pressure chamber, I

3,. In awater supply system including, a source of water, a. motor driven pump having an inlet and an outlet connectecl to a service line, and a jet pump having a suction inlet connected with said source, a pressure inlet connected with said motor driven pump outlet, and an outlet connected with. said motor driven pump inlet; a regulator valve disposed between the motor driven pump outlet and the service line for maintaining a predetermined pressure potential at the pressure inlet of said. jet pump, including in combination, a body having an inlet chamber connected to the outlet. of said motor drivenpump and a pressure chamber connected to said service line, a partition separating said chambers and having a port therein, a valve assembly for controlling said port including a diaphragm; subjected to the pressure in said pressure chamber, resilient means acting upon. said diaphragm in opposition-v to the pressure in said pressure chamber, a main valve connected to said plunger for closing said port under no flow conditions, a spool valve carried by said main valve and resilient. means acting upon said spool valve for urging said spool valve to a port closing position when said main valve is open, said spool valve being responsive to pressure insaidinlet chamber so as to permit flow from said inlet chamber to said pressure chamber, said diaphragm being responsive to a predetermined pressure in said pressure chamber for moving said main valve toa closed port position.

4. In a water supply system including, a source of water, amotor driven pump having an inlet and an outlet connected to a service line, and a jet pump having a suction inlet connected with said source, a pressure inlet connected with said motor driven pump outlet, and an outlet connected with said motor driven pump inlet; a regulator valve disposed between the motor driven pump outlet and the service line for maintaining a predetermined pressure potential at the pressure inlet of said jet pump, including in combination, a body having an inlet chamber connected to the outlet of said motor driven pump and a pressure chamber connected to said discharge line, a partition separating said chambers and having a port therein, and a valve assembly for controlling said port including a diaphragm responsive to the pressure in said pressure chamber, a main valve carried by said diaphragm and arranged to close said port in response to a predetermined pressure in said pressure chamber, resilient means acting upon said diaphragm in opposition to the pressure in said pressure chamber for moving said main valve to a port opening position when the pressure in said pressure chamber is below a second predetermined pressure, a spool valve carried by said main valve and arranged to open said port when the pressure in said inlet chamber is above a predetermined value and yieldable means acting upon said spool valve for urging said spool valve to a port closed position when the pressure in said inlet chamber is less than said predetermined value, said main valve having a bleed passage therethrough for equalizing the pressures in said inlet and pressure chambers when said main valve is closed.

5. In a water supply system including, a source of water, a motor driven pump having an inlet and an outlet connected to a service line, and a jet pump having a suction inlet connected with said source, a pressure inlet connected with said motor driven pump outlet, and an outlet connected with said motor driven pump inlet; a regulator valve disposed between the motor driven pump outlet and the service line for maintaining a predetermined pressure potential at the pressure inlet of said jet pump, including in combination, a body having an inlet chamber connected to the outlet of said motor driven pump and a pressure chamber connected to said service line, a partition separating said chambers and having a port therein, and a valve assembly for controlling said port including a pressure responsive diaphragm, a main valve connected to said diaphragm for closing said port under no flow conditions, a bleed passage in said main valve for equalizing the pressures in said chambers under no flow conditions and a secondary valve carried by said main valve for closing said port when the pressure in said inlet chamber is below a predetermined value, said main valve being arranged to open said port when the pressure in said pressure chamber is below a second predetermined value.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 209,638 Adams Nov. 5, 1818 769,050 Boekel Aug. 30, 1904 1,529,566 Aikman et al Mar. 10, 1925 1,814,454 Penn July 14, 1931 1,981,160 Baldwin Nov. 20, 1934 2,067,229 Birch Ian. 12, 1937 2,345,547 Roth et al Mar. 28, 1944 2,588,527 Holmes Mar. 11, 1952 2,615,397 Conery Oct. 28, 1952 2,700,338 Smith Ian. 25, 1955 

